TheLoop21.com

There is so much to say about this. First, there is the issue of black sensitivity. Are we so sensitive that we jump to racism when given half the chance? Well, that’s the argument I have been reading all morning. Are white folks really racist or just insensitive to the race issue? Or is this simply about picking fun at those in power, and really not caring about the fact that for the first time in history the most powerful man in this country and most notable family in this country happen to be black?

I know there were numerous Bush as chimp photos during his administration. There was even a website, bushorchimp.com  It was largely a play on his low intelligence, large ears and goofy facial expressions. The photo accompanying this blog was originated at celebritychimp.com but it was largely circulated by a far right blogger. It's gotten so many hits that good has actually taken it down.

My question. If this is about poking fun at folks in power then why drag Michelle into it? She holds no official position, and if I remember correctly Laura Bush was not fair game when her husband was in office. Also, even if Bush was called a chimp was he also called a witch doctor, a noncitizen and did DNC post a photo of him chowing down on a chicken bone? Michelle has been called a female dog, a James Brown look alike, an angry black woman and now a monkey. Are blacks folks really being overly sensitive here?

If so, maybe that is because the whole monkey thing is exactly the crap that racist white folks go back to over and over. 

But to the more germane issue here. Should white folks who disagree with Obama treat him with kid gloves due to America’s history of racism? Should black folks ignore all implications of race because the majority of Americans, of all colors, elected a black man as president? Should anyone, considering the 30 plus death threats this guy receives, make an effort to make policy criticisms as opposed to low-brow cheap shots. And perhaps yes be a bit sensitive when it comes to race?

I would argue yes, if for no other reason than to make a solid argument. If for no other reason than to have that criticism heard as opposed to dismissed. 

If you disagree with the man’s policies, then just avoid the low-brow racism. If you want to delegitimize the man and could care less about the repercussions then don’t bitch and moan when someone makes the obvious criticism that it appears racist. After all, you opened the door by calling the man’s wife a monkey. Black folks are in the same no-win situation. It’s Glenn Beck territory. We can cry racism but that is difficult to do without arguing intent and motivation. And believe me for every nasty image they erect for Obama, they will drag out one of Bush to argue that it’s not racism. So, in the end, it’s one of those things just gets our collective blood boiling and nothing else. 

So, is this photo racist? I don’t know. I do know it’s clearly in bad taste.